Participate in a research project
High quality research is essential to enable better understanding of autism and to develop improved supports in the future.
Why should you get involved?
Researchers are always looking for participants for their projects – the more participants, the greater the chances of meaningful results that reflect the wide range of issues that autistic people and their families face. So, get involved where you can – it will help improve their knowledge and it may benefit you!
Disclaimer: Autism Queensland aims to support research that promises to inform future directions of services for individuals on the spectrum and their families. Although we screen each project before advertising, we do not necessarily endorse the views, activities or organisations of researchers.
Projects seeking participants
Contact details of all researchers are provided for each of our projects. If you are interested in participating in a study please click on those of the following you believe will be of interest. This list is updated regularly and includes research being undertaken externally and by Autism Queensland.
Testing the Value of Virtual Reality for Autistic Adults
Participants required: Autistic adults (18+) are encouraged to participate, whether you are formally diagnosed or self-identify as autistic. You must have English language fluency, be willing to use virtual reality, and have no history or current diagnosis of a major psychiatric or neurological illness or any physical disability that might impede your ability to use the technology.
Description of project: Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used in educational sectors, clinical sectors, and beyond. However, there are important questions about how VR could be applied as a tool to promote wellbeing for autistic people. In this study, we are interested in understanding your experience of a VR environment that we have created.
Benefit to participants: You are not expected to benefit directly because of your participation in this research project. However, we hope you will gain satisfaction from the knowledge that your participation will improve our understanding of how to create more engaging and immersive virtual reality environments that aim to promote wellbeing for autistic people. To thank you for your time you will be provided with a $20 gift card.
Contact information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0466 496 031
Please submit expressions of interest to be a part of this project by clicking the button below.
The Lived Experience of Learning Daily Living Skills as an Autistic Young Person
Participants required: To take part in this study, you must live in Australia, be aged 18–24, have a formal autism diagnosis from a health professional, have attended an Australian high school full‑time until at least Year 10, and have left school within the past seven years. People are not eligible if they have a co‑occurring intellectual disability, a psychotic disorder, or a physical disability that significantly affects their ability to carry out daily living tasks.
Description of project: Studies have shown that autistic young people often don’t develop daily living skills at the same pace as others their age, which can affect their independence. This project seeks to understand how autistic young people learn and use daily living skills like cooking, cleaning, self‑care, and managing money. It aims to understand how these skills develop during and after high school, and what support looks like to help them use daily living skills in real‑world settings. You will attend two online interviews, held 3–6 months apart. The first interview takes 1-1.5 hours and is where you can share your experiences learning and using daily living skills. The second interview will take 45 minutes and is where you can review the study findings and provide feedback on whether your experience is captured in the results.
Benefit to participants: This research will help us better understand what life is really like for autistic young adults as they learn and use everyday skills during and after high school. Very little research currently captures these experiences, so this project can help other autistic people feel affirmed in their own stories and provide a space where their experiences are reflected and valued. It also offers professionals deeper insight into how daily living skills are actually learned, lived, and felt by autistic young people, so support can be more respectful and aligned with real experiences.
Contact information:
Contact: Chelsea Morrison
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0499 990 120
Please submit expressions of interest to be a part of this project by contacting the above details or visiting the below link for more information.
Inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC): Research Priorities and Cross-Sector Solutions - Parent Advisory Group
Participants required: Parent or carers of a young child with disability or developmental concerns who would like to have their say on improving inclusion in early childhood education and care!
Description of project: Researchers at The University of Queensland are inviting parents and carers to join a small online advisory group. Your insights will help us understand how services can better support children and how to strengthen collaboration between families, educators, and health professionals.
What’s involved?
- Up to 3 online meetings in 2026 at a time that suits your schedule
- About 1 hour per meeting (+ up to 1 hour prep)
- $50/hour reimbursement (up to $300 total).
Participation is voluntary and won’t affect your relationship with UQ, your child’s service, or any supports you receive.
Learn more and sign up to be involved via the link below.
Contact:
Dr Laetitia Coles: [email protected]
Inclusion in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC): Research Priorities and Cross-Sector Solutions - Educator Advisory Group
Participants required: Early childhood educators supporting children with disability, developmental delay or developmental concern?
Project details: Join a University of Queensland online advisory group and help shape practical solutions for inclusion in ECEC, from training and supports to better collaboration across sectors.
What’s involved?
- Up to 3 online sessions in 2026 at a time that suits your schedule
- ~1 hour per session (+ optional prep)
- $50/hour reimbursement (up to $300 total)
Participation is voluntary and confidential.
Learn more and sign up via the link below.
Contact:
Dr Laetitia Coles: [email protected]
Researchers
If you would like to have your project listed on our site, please click here.
For more information about research at Autism Queensland
P. 07 3273 0000
